King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:4 Mean?

2 Kings 21:4 in the King James Version says “And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.”

2 Kings 21:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

3

For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

5

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

6

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Read 2 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 21 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Manasseh and Amon's Evil Reigns) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 21 regarding unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבָנָ֥ה1 of 11

“And he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת2 of 11

“altars”

H4196

an altar

בְּבֵ֣ית3 of 11

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁר֙5 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֣ר6 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם8 of 11

“In Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אָשִׂ֥ים9 of 11

“will I put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת10 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמִֽי׃11 of 11

“my name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 21:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:131 Kings 8:29Jeremiah 32:34Deuteronomy 12:52 Kings 16:10-161 Kings 9:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 21 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes